June 30, 2014 - From the time Stryker began marketing their two new metal hip designs—the Rejuvenate and the ABGII—in 2010, until the recall in July, 2012, recipients of the hip implants began coming forward with one health problem after another related to the devices. At this time, over 2,000 people harmed by the Stryker hip recall have filed a Stryker hip lawsuit. Along with chromium and cobalt blood poisoning, Stryker hip metallosis and Stryker hip infection, Stryker hip pseudotumors have been found to occur quite frequently, particularly among those with metal sensitivity.
When the components of the Stryker hip implants rub against one another during periods of patient activity, microscopic metal ions shear away from the implant, traveling to other parts of the body. When those ions land in the hip tissue, Stryker hip metallosis can occur, causing the patient to experience severe inflammation, chronic hip, groin or thigh pain, destruction of bone and tissue, total hip failure and the necessity for a Stryker Rejuvenate revision surgery or a Stryker ABGII revision surgery. Chromium and cobalt blood poisoning occurs when the tiny metal ions which shear away from the implant find their way to the bloodstream. Any number of serious health issues can result, including the following:
· Gastrointestinal issues
· Cardiovascular problems
· Neurological disorders
· Gastrointestinal problems
· Renal failure
· Loss of hearing and vision
· Changes in DNA
· Pseudotumor development
· Reproductive disorders
· Chronic headaches
· Changes to nails and skin, including rashes
· Muscle atrophy
· Seizures, convulsions and tremors
· An increase in certain cancers
· Fatigue and poor concentration
· Anxiety, irritability and depression
Pseudotumors are large, solid or semi-liquid masses which can form around a metal hip device, mimicking the effects of infection. Most pseudotumors, however are neither infectious nor cancerous. It is believed that those with a greater sensitivity to cobalt and chromium are more likely to develop pseudotumors, and that the reaction to the metals, along with the presence of a foreign body, contribute to pseudotumor development. Unfortunately, by the time a Stryker hip pseudotumor becomes noticeable, it may have been present for a significant length of time.
Studies show women are also more likely to develop pseudotumors, particularly those who are smaller-boned. The smaller component size of the hip implant device required in many women is associated with increased wear and tends to be less forgiving of less-than-perfect placement. In some cases, pseudotumors can cause little pain until they have caused significant amounts of tissue damage and require surgery. Other than pain, diminished range of motion, hip joint inflammation, and difficulty engaging in daily activities are the primary symptoms of pseudotumors.
If you are a victim of the Stryker hip recall, you may want to consider filing a Stryker hip lawsuit to recover your losses. An experienced, knowledgeable Stryker Hip Attorney can help assess your current situation. You may have even received a letter from Broadspire, known as the Stryker hip Broadspire letter, urging you to sign the form in return for reimbursement for some of the expenses you have had due to your defective Stryker hip implant. It is highly advisable that you speak to a knowledgeable Stryker hip lawyer before you sign anything in order to avoid giving up important rights.